About Allentown

The city operates a public records portal through its official website, giving residents digital access to municipal documents they once had to request in person. City council meeting minutes, zoning maps, and property assessments are all available online. This transparency allows interested parties to track local government decisions, research property information, and review how the city conducts its business without filing formal requests for routine documents.

Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Allentown

Allentown Police Department

Allentown Police Department · is responsible for this Page · 425 Hamilton St, Allentown, PA, United States, Pennsylvania · (610) 437-7753 · youtube.com/@apdontheroad · joinallentownpd.com · allentownpa.gov/en-us/Government/Departments/Police · Always open ·

Lehigh County Sheriff's Office

Lehigh County Sheriff's Office Government organization · 455 W Hamilton St, Allentown, PA, United States, Pennsylvania · (610) 782-3175 · infoema@lehighcounty.org · lehighcounty.org/Departments/Sheriffs-Office · Closed now ·.

⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Allentown

Records Search

The Official Website for the County of Lehigh, Pennsylvania Lehigh County Government Center 17 South 7th Street Allentown, PA 18101 General Information 610-782-3000

🔗 https://www.lehighcounty.org/Departments/Clerk-of-Judicial-Records/Recorder-of-Deeds/Records-Search

🏠 Property & Public Records in Allentown

Lehigh County Recorder of Deeds

Property records for Allentown, Pennsylvania are maintained by the Lehigh County Recorder of Deeds. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Lehigh County, including Allentown.

🔗 https://lehighcountypa.gov

Public Records & Services in Allentown

Public Schools

Official source: NCES Public School District Search
  • 🎓Public schools are administered by local school districts under state Department of Education oversight.
  • 📊School performance data, enrollment, and district boundaries are published by the state Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics (nces.ed.gov).
  • 📞Contact the local district office for enrollment, transcripts, or attendance records.
Public schools in Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania are administered by the local school district. For information about school enrollment, academic performance, and school ratings, residents should contact the Lehigh County school administration or the Pennsylvania Department of Education. School district boundaries, student-teacher ratios, and test scores are available through the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.

Crime Data & Statistics

Official source: FBI Crime Data Explorer Crime data for Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania is maintained by local law enforcement agencies. The Lehigh County Sheriff's Office and local police departments report crime statistics to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Residents can access crime data through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting local law enforcement directly. For specific crime reports or incident data, submit a public records request to the Allentown police department or the Lehigh County Sheriff's Office.

Public Library Records Access

Official source: IMLS Library Search & Compare
  • 📚Public libraries provide free access to online databases, historical archives, and government-document collections.
  • 🔎Many libraries offer remote access to property records, court records, and genealogy resources with a valid library card.
  • 👤Reference librarians can assist with research, document retrieval, and government-records lookups.
The Allentown Public Library provides access to various public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. Library patrons can access property records, court records, and genealogy resources through the library's reference section. The Lehigh County library system may offer additional branches and digital resources. Contact the library directly for hours, available databases, and research assistance.

Fingerprinting Services

Official source: FBI Identity History Summary Checks
  • 👆Fingerprinting for background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening is offered by local police and authorized providers.
  • 📅Most agencies require appointments; walk-in hours and fees vary by location.
  • 🪪Bring valid government-issued photo ID; some agencies accept fingerprint cards mailed in for processing.
Fingerprinting services for Allentown, Pennsylvania residents are available through local police (where present) and authorized third-party providers in Lehigh County. Fingerprinting is commonly required for background checks, professional licensing, employment screening, and immigration applications. Contact local police (where present) or the Lehigh County Sheriff's Office for scheduling, fees, and required documentation. The Pennsylvania Attorney General or state police may also process fingerprint-based background checks.

About Allentown — In Depth

Jail & Inmate Records

The primary detention facility for the county sits in Allentown. When someone is booked into the Lehigh County Jail, staff photograph and fingerprint them while recording personal details. Family members searching for recently arrested individuals can contact the facility directly or check Lehigh County's online inmate lookup tool. Visitation follows a strict schedule with specific dress code requirements. Bail and bond procedures align with Pennsylvania state guidelines, accepting both cash and surety bonds.

Arrest Records

Arrest records across the county are kept by the Lehigh County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. Residents and attorneys seeking these documents must submit formal applications, typically presenting identification and paying a fee. The records themselves detail the arrested person's name, what charges they face, and which agency made the arrest. Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law balances public access with privacy concerns, governing how these records can be released and what information remains protected.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Lehigh County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Residents can request a criminal background check through the Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH) system. The Pennsylvania State Police offers additional resources for residents seeking criminal history information.

Vital Records

The Allentown Department of Health and Human Services oversees the city's vital records, including birth, death, and marriage certificates. Individuals can request copies of these records through the department's office, located at 245 North 6th Street, Allentown, PA 18102. The department's website, https://www.allentownpa.gov/en-us/Government/Departments/Health-Human-Services, provides detailed information on the application process and required documentation.

Business & Licensing Records

The City of Allentown's Department of Community and Economic Development guides entrepreneurs and established companies through the local regulatory environment. The department's website at https://www.allentownpa.gov/en-us/Government/Departments/Community-Economic-Development provides details on business licensing requirements, zoning regulations, and economic development programs. Business owners can download permit applications and learn about incentive programs designed to encourage growth.

Economy & Demographics

Allentown's economy is a diverse mix of industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, finance, and tourism. The city's major employers include Lehigh Valley Health Network, Air Products and Chemicals, and PPL Corporation. The Allentown Economic Development Corporation, https://www.allentownedc.com/, is key in attracting new businesses, supporting existing companies, and building economic growth in the region. Public records related to the city's economic development, such as tax incentives, property records, and business licenses, are available through the corporation's resources.

Elections & Voter Records

Voters in Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania receive election services through the Lehigh County Voter Registration Office at 17 South 7th Street, Allentown, PA 18101. The office can be reached at 610-782-3194 or through lehighcounty.org/elections. Pennsylvania residents register online at register.votespa.com until 15 days before any election, providing either a Pennsylvania driver's license number, PennDOT ID number, or the last four digits of a Social Security number. First-time voters who register by mail must show identification when casting their first ballot.
As a third-class city, the community holds partisan municipal elections in odd-numbered years. Residents elect a mayor and seven council members, four at-large and three representing specific wards. Finding your polling place is straightforward at pavoterservices.pa.gov/pages/pollingplaceinfo.aspx, where entering your address reveals your assigned location and sample ballot. Roughly 190,000 residents were registered, and over 130,000 cast ballots. Public election records available under Pennsylvania law include voter registration lists, which can be purchased for political purposes, along with campaign finance reports searchable at campaignfinance.pa.gov. Candidate petitions, filing information, and precinct-level results are also accessible. Senate seat depending on the cycle. County voters will also decide county-level offices such as county commissioners if they're up that year, plus judicial retention questions and any local ballot measures. Since Act 77 of 2019, any registered voter can request a mail-in ballot without providing an excuse. Online requests are accepted at pavoterservices.pa.gov/onlineabsenteeapplication up to seven days before the election. The county must receive completed ballots by 8:00 PM on Election Day. The elections office offers BallotTrax, a tracking system that lets voters monitor their mail ballot from request through counting.
City Info
StatePennsylvania
CountyLehigh
Population125,320

Frequently Asked Questions

To register to vote in Allentown, Pennsylvania, residents can register online through the Pennsylvania Department of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Lehigh County elections office. Pennsylvania requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Pennsylvania Department of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Allentown, contact the Lehigh County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
Property records for Allentown, Pennsylvania are maintained by the Lehigh Board of Assessment Appeals's Office and the Lehigh Recorder of Deeds. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Lehigh County, including parcels in Allentown. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Lehigh Recorder of Deeds maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Pennsylvania counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Lehigh County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
Birth, death, and marriage records for Allentown, Pennsylvania residents are available through both county and state offices. The Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, located in New Castle, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Pennsylvania. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Lehigh County Register of Wills issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Lehigh County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.